Lecture Notes on Victor Hugo's Poem "Demande à l'Élope"

Introduction

• Victor Hugo's "Demande à l'Élope" is a beloved poem in French schools.
• The lecture will analyze the poem's content before discussing its context.

Overview of the Poem

First Verse

• The poet speaks of an imminent journey: "Demande à l'Élope, tomorrow at dawn."
• Emphasizes the time of departure (dawn) and his intention to travel.
• Poet reassures his love, saying, "I will leave you; I know you are waiting for me."

Journey to Love

• Poet describes his route: "I will go by the forest, I will go by the mountain."
• Symbolizes obstacles he must overcome to reach his love.
• The forest and mountains are mentioned without detailed descriptions, indicating a focus on emotional connection over physical surroundings.

Change in Tone (Second Stanza)

• The tone shifts; the poet becomes introspective: "I will walk, eyes fixed on my thoughts."
• He is indifferent to the surroundings, fully focused on love.
• Describes solitude: "sir alone unknown," reflecting profound isolation.
• The emotional state is highlighted: "sad day for me will be like the night."

Arrival and Twist

• Poet reaches a body of water (Aflur) where his love is.
• The twist reveals his love is deceased, highlighted with "when I arrive, I will put on your tone."
• Use of evergreen holly and flowering heather symbolizes eternity and the immortalization of his love.

Context and Background

Personal Tragedy

• Hugo had five children; only four survived. His favorite was Léopoldine.
• Léopoldine married against Hugo’s wishes; he reluctantly accepted.
• Tragically, she died in a boating accident shortly after marriage.
• Hugo learned of her death through a newspaper, impacting him deeply.

Poetic Significance

• "Demande à l'Élope" was written on the fourth anniversary of Léopoldine's death.
• The poem is a tribute to her, immortalizing her through poetry.
• Part of the collection "Contemplations."

Structure of the Poem

• Composed of three stanzas with four verses each.
• Each verse has 12 syllables (Alexandrine).
• Features alternate rhymes (e.g., compine, montan, long, tongue).

Themes and Emotions

• The poem expresses love, mourning, pain, and sadness.
• Future tense verbs illustrate the stages of the journey (e.g., "I will leave," "I will walk," "I will arrive").
• Reflects the characteristics of the Romantic era: solitude, nature, and deep emotions.

Impact on Hugo's Work

• Léopoldine's death marked a turning point in Hugo's writing and political perspective.
• Transition from pro-monarchy to empathy for the oppressed.
• Seen in later works like "Les Misérables."

Conclusion

• Hugo’s home in Paris is a tribute to Léopoldine’s memory.
• Encouragement for discussion on how personal experiences shape artistic expression.
• Invitation for suggestions on other poems to explore.

Final Thoughts

• "Demande à l'Élope" is a significant work born from Hugo's grief, showcasing the power of poetry as a means of remembrance.